Animal-trap



Patented Dec. 8, 1891.

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(No 'MOCI'GL') D. F. PAGE.

ANIMAL TRAP. No. 464,889.

after appear.

UNITED PATENT OFFI E.

DAVID FLETCHER PAGE, OF ALGERNON, GEORGIA.

ANIMAL-TRAP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 464,889, dated December8, 1891..

Application filed August 25, 1891. Serial Ila-403,681. (No model.)

To a. whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, DAVID FLETCHER PAGE, a citizen of the United States,residing at Algernon, in the county of Gwinnett and State of Georgia,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Animal-Traps; and Ido hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription of the invention, which will enable others skilled in theart to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to animal-traps; and it has particular relationto that class designed for trapping moles.

The object of the invention is to provide a simple and improved trap ofthis character of inexpensive and durable construction and one whichwill possess advantages in point of simplicity and general efficiency.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trap embodyingmyinvention. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view thereof. Fig. 3 is aside elevation.

Corresponding parts in the figures are denoted by the same letters ofreference.

Referringto the drawings, A designates the frame, which comprises fouruprights or timbers B, which converge toward their upper ends and areconnected by horizontal crosstimbers 0. Upon the upper pair of thelatter, and slightly to one side of their center, is secured a board D,and to the intermediate cross-timbers is secured a second correspond"ing board E. The boards D and E are parallel to each other and in thesame vertical plane, and at coincident vertical points therein saidboards are each provided with a rectangular mortise d e, respectively.

I designates a vertical bar rectangular in cross-section andcorresponding to and sliding in the mortises d e. To the lower end ofthis bar is secured a gravity-block G, disposed horizontally andlongitudinally with relation to the boards D and E. Projectingdownwardly from the under face of the gravityblock is provided a seriesof sharp spikes H, the latter being located at each end-of the block.The central portion g of the block is left vacant, the purpose of whichwill herein- A pin f is passed transversely through the upper end of thebar F to limit the downward movement thereof.

jecting directly across the track.

For operating the trap I provide an improved construction of what iscommonly known as the figure 4 device. The latter in this instancecomprises an upright I, having a wedge-shaped upper end i. Engaging thelatter is a notch or shoulderj, provided at the under side of a piece J,the lower end of said piece being beveled upon its outer side. The uppernotched end of this piece is also beveled, as shown at j, and upon thisend rests the block G. For normally retaining the gravity-block inelevated position a piece K is employed, provided at one end upon itsupper side with a series of notches 70, one of which being engaged bythe lower end of the piece J. Ashoulder 7t" is formed on the piece K atthe side adjacent to the upright I, with which it is engaged to retainthe parts in place. The piece K is extended beyond the upright I, asshown at K.

The operation and advantages of my invention will be readily understoodby those skilled in the art to which it appertains.

The trap is set withthegravity-blocklocated above the mole-track, theoperating device being located under the block and in the space g, withthe extension K of the piece lK pro- As the dirt is raised by the molein passing, the extension K is elevated, thus releasing the piece J andpermitting theg'ravity-block to descend, the spikes piercing the moleand securing the same until removed from the trap. l/Vhen the trap issprung, the parts forming the tripping device fall within the spacey andinterference with the operation of the trap thus obviated.

By setting the tripping mechanism above the spikes the latter normallyoccupy a position close to the ground and the chances for escape of themole during the falling of the block consequently reduced.

It will be further obvious that by constructing the trap upon a largerscale it is readily adapted for trapping other classes of burrowinganimals of greater size.

I claim as my invention In a trap of the class described, thecombination, with the frame comprising the two horizontal membersprovided with coincident rectangular mortises, the vertically-movingcarried at the end of said bar and provided with a seriesot'downwardly-projeetingspikes, of the tripping mechanism normallysupporting the gravity-block between the series of spikes and comprisingan upright having a wedge-shaped upper end, an obliquely-arranged piecehaving a notched or shouldered upper end engaging the Wedge-shaped endof the upright and supporting the gravity-block, and a horizontal pieceprovided at one end 1 bar working in the latter, and the gravityfblockwith a series of notches adapted to be engaged by the lower end of saidoblique piece and with an intermediate shoulder engaging the upright,substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DAVID FLETCHER PAGE. Witnesses:

THOMAS MAEN HOUSE, J OH. E. ELIAS ANDREW PUOKETT.

